Sony A7 After 48,000 Images

When I bought my A7 from the Sony store as a demo unit, I didn't know how many actuations it had, and it turned out to be quite a bit. 13,505 to be exact.  Yesterday I did a shutter count check and the current count is more than 61,000.  I shot more than 48,000 pictures in 16 months.  That's quite a bit for someone who only uses the camera for leisure.  I guess it's a good time to follow up on my initial review of the camera.

The Build
Other than some brassing on the edges of the top plate, the camera is physically in very good shape.  I bring a camera with me to work each day, or whenever I go out, without fail, and the camera is either the Sony A7, Olympus E-M5, or very rarely the Canon 20D Infrared camera, and a few times the Nikon D810.  I would say 99% of the time, the A7 was in my bag.  That means the camera is in my backpack (not a camera bag), enduring the sometimes rough biking trips, and it has held up extremely well.  The camera has worked flawlessly without fail so far.

The Annoyances
1.  the proximity sensor that switches between LCD screen and EVF is far too sensitive.  One fix for this, devised by Matt, is to cut a thin piece of black electrical tape and put in the middle of the IR LEDs window on top of the viewfinder.  This works well most of the time, but sometimes the sensitivity goes a bit wonky, probably because the tape moved, so at the end, I just removed it and reverted it back to its virgin state.

2.  Sensor dust.  Compared to the Olympus E-M5, or the Nikon D810, the Sony sensor-shake dust reduction system, like the Canon version, isn't as effective.  It's a royal pain to clean.  Luckily, most of the pictures I shoot are wide open and this is not a big deal, but when a slow lens is used, say f5.6 or slower, the pictures will have many dust specks.

3.  Image Magnify button.  In early NEX cameras, the magnify button is the OK button, which is within the reach of the thumb when the camera is held. Pressing it after the image is taken instantly magnifies the image.  But in the A7, the &#$%@#  magnify button has its dedicated button, located next to the EVF.  To press this button, I have hold the camera with my left hand loosen the grip of the right hand to press it.  As far as I know, this function could not be re-programmed.  Still drive me crazy after 16 months.

4.  I miss the fully articulated swivel LCD screen on the Panasonic G1, Canon T2i, and even the original 3.2 MP Canon G1 that I used.  This is especially useful for vertical shots when not using the EVF.  A minor annoyance.

Storage and Computer Issues
As the resolution of the cameras increased, so is the storage and computing requirements.  It's true that storage is cheap, but after losing 250GB of pictures, I now store my pictures with at least two copies on magnetic hard drive, plus one copy on BluRay disc, which triples the storage requirement.  At the moment, I have roughly 18TB of hard drive storage, and it's almost near capacity, and I am way behind on BluRay backup.  The computer I am using is a 7-year old Dell XPS Studio with an Intel Core i7-920, and 18GB of RAM.  Adequate at the moment, though painful when processing D810 images.  I can't even begin to fathom what it would be like if I ever get the 42MP A7R II.

Other Thoughts
I thought the lack of an external charger would be an big issue for me, but it turns out not so, for the kind of shooting I do.  I hardly spend more than 45 minutes per shooting session, since 90% of my shooting is done during my lunch time, or on my way to or from work.  I do not need an extra battery (although I do have one).  Once charged, it's good for at least a couple of days.  I actually find it convenient to be able to charge the battery in-camera, because more than a few occasions, I found the battery almost depleted, but was able to charge it at work through the computer before heading out.

The lossy RAW format that Sony employs ticked off more than a few people.  It bothers me a little, but not to the point where I find it a show stopper.  In most cases, this does not affect the image quality, at least not something clearly visible.  I don't see why Sony would not allow the user an option to use compressed or losslessly compressed RAW.

What I like most about this camera is that it's a very balanced camera.  Obviously, it's not an action camera.  Focus speed, especially focus tracking, leaves much to be desired, but you would be buying a wrong camera if the majority of your shoot is action based.  A DSLR is a better tool in that case.  The small size with a full frame sensor and very short flange distance, coupled with excellent image quality, is a dream tool for legacy lens addicts like me.  I thank Sony for making an affordable camera like this, that no one cared to make.  It's by far the best camera I have used for my shooting style.  I look forward to the A7R II.

Anchor - Sony A7 & Minolta RF 250mm f5.6 Mirror Lens

Winter Came Back

It's mid April but we got a few centimeters of snow today, and the temperature has dipped below zero again, after some enjoyable warm weather.  This winter is like an overstaying and annoying guest that won't want to leave.

Giorno - Olympus E-M5 & Minolta Rokkor-X RF 250mm f5.6. Click for larger.

Snow Covered - Olympus E-M5 & Minolta Rokkor-X RF 250mm f5.6

Minolta Rokkor-X RF 250mm f5.6 with Olympus E-M5

My MD, L39 and Leica-M to M4/3 adapters arrived yesterday. I was earger to test the effectiveness of the E-M5's stabilization system with long lenses, specifically the Minolta 250mm mirror lens. Today I shot some pictures with the combo and I am very pleased. In short, longer lenses are not as effective as the shorter lenses with the stabilization, but it definitely helped. I get more sharp pictures than I could with NEX-6, while using lower ISO. With the NEX-6, I had to use ISO 800 to 1600 in day light, but with the E-M5, the ISO is usually at 400 and even 200.

I wish the In-Body Stabilization would work without half-pressing the shutter button; this way I can have IS on while in magnified view, to help fine tune focus. As it is, as soon as you half-press the shutter, the magnify feature is deactivated.

I am quite pleased with the E-M5 and Minolta 250mm combo. Imagine shooting 500mm (35mm equivalent) without tripod. That's what I call freedom. There are many opportunities with a longer lens, which allows the capture of some candid moments that could otherwise not available.

All pictures below were taken with the Minolta Rokkor-X RF 250mm f5.6 mirror lens and Olympus E-M5.

Minolta RF Rokkor-X 250mm f5.6 - Another Look

I wrote about my first impression, and the second look, plus many photo samples of this Minolta RF Rokkor-X 250mm f5.6 mirror lens over the last couple of years. It has proven itself for the purpose of its design: small, lightweight, and inexpensive. The inexpensive part does not apply any more because this lens is selling at a few times more than its original price, but it's truly small and light. This lens attaches to the NEX-6 and still fit in my coat pocket, even with its hood. The small size is less intimidating if you are taking pictures of people, especially strangers. The petite size makes me look like a tourist taking pictures :)

As much as I dislike mirror lenses in general, I am warming up to this little lens. It's not the sharpest lens in the world but it's excellent being a reflex lens. So many times I wanted to sell it to fund the upgrade of the camera, but could not pull the trigger. There will always be newer and better cameras, but a lens like this is getting harder and too expensive to buy if I regret the sale and want it back later.

One thing I do wish is in-body stabilization on the NEX-6. It would make using long lenses much easier, especially for focusing. This is the main reason I want an Olympus E-M1 or E-M5. For the time being, I enjoy using it and it can come in handy in many situations, like the pictures from yesterday's blog entry.

Sparrow - NEX-6 & Minolta Rokkor-X 250mm f5.6 Mirror Lens. Click for larger. 

Ongiara - NEX-6 & Minolta Rokkor-X 250mm f5.6 Mirror Lens. Click for larger. 

Little Richard? - NEX-6 & Minolta Rokkor-X 250mm f5.6 Mirror Lens. Click for larger. 

Donut Rings - NEX-6 & Minolta Rokkor-X 250mm f5.6 Mirror Lens.  

Heavy, Wet Snow Aplenty

I was overjoyed this morning that the temperature will be in the positive territory, and I did have fun shooting with the Minolta Rokkor-X 250mm f5.6 mirror lens. Just right before heading home, heavy and web snow started to come down, seemingly with a vengeance. It did, however, provided some interesting opportunities for photography. I stopped a couple times and shot a few frames. In a very short time, the lens, camera and myself were all wet. I was afraid the camera/lens might be damaged by moisture but everything turned out fine.

Man at work - Minolta Rokkor-X 250mm f5.6 Mirror Lens & NEX-6. Click for larger.

My Bike - Minolta Rokkor-X 250mm f5.6 Mirror Lens & NEX-6. Click for larger.

Fellow Cyclist - Minolta Rokkor-X 250mm f5.6 Mirror Lens & NEX-6.

A Walk Along Harbourfront

Harbourfront is currently undergoing a huge face lift. Everywhere you see, is construction and mess. Consequently, you don't see many tourist there at the moment. Even along the boardwalk near the ferry dock, which is usually packed during lunch time in a nice day, but today there aren't that many people either. Hopefully the construction will soon end and we will have a brand new and better Harbourfront this summer.

All pictures below were taken with the Minolta RF 250mm f5.6 mirror lens. Still one of the most compact mirror lenses around.

Captain John's Seafood: a fixture of the Harbourfront for decades, eventually closed up after many complaints and failed inspection from Public Health. The ship is now waiting for a buyer. Taken with NEX-6 & Minolta RF 250mm f5.6. Click for larger.

The Dog Walker - NEX-6 & Minolta RF 250mm f5.6. Click for larger.

Finding Inner Peace - NEX-6 & Minolta RF 250mm f5.6. 

Happy New Year!

I would like to wish all my readers a very happy new year. Wish you all good health and that all your wishes will come true in 2013. Don't forget to take lots of pictures.

Customs Buildings at Niagara Falls - NEX-6 & Minolta RF Rokkor-X 250mm f5.6.

Sony NEX-6: Initial Impression - Part V: Image Quality

Continued from Part IV.

Any one who owns a NEX-5N will pretty much knows what kind of image quality can be expected from the NEX-6.  The image sensor on the NEX-6 is based on the one from NEX-5N, with the exception of on-sensor phase detect pixels. In theory, these phase detect pixels should count as dead pixels since they don't produce picture elements and have to be mapped out in firmware when picture is created, just like mapping out dead pixels.  

I was very happy with the image quality of the NEX-5N.  Superb dynamic range and very good high ISO quality. The only thing I didn't like much, was the jpeg from the camera. It just wasn't anywhere as good as what can be obtained from RAW conversion. The NEX-6, however, has a very good jpeg engine. If you shoot only jpeg, you will be very pleased. The colour fidelity is improved and noise/compression artifacts have been mostly eliminated in low ISO. Comparing NEX-6 jpegs to my 5D classic jpegs, I still see some difference, that the Canon is slightly better, but not by much.

Even though the camera can shoot to ISO 25600, I wouldn't bother with anything higher 6400.  I would be comfortable with ISO 3200 and use ISO 6400 if I have to, but anything over that, is basically for marketing claims.  Sure you can make pictures with it, especially with black & white, but the noise level would be too much, and details too little.

I can't claim the NEX-6 has the best image quality of all mirrorless cameras, because I haven't used the others, but it's better than any Canon Rebel/60D/7D can produce. It's good enough for me.

Elevator on Skylon Tower - NEX-6 & Minolta RF Rokkor-X 250mm f5.6, ISO 800.

Minolta RF Rokkor-X 250mm f5.6 Shoots the Cemetery

On my way driving Ryan to his DR. appointment this morning, I saw Mount Hope Catholic cemetery nearby.  Since the appointment was long and I did not need to be there, I decided to shoot some pictures in the cemetery. As it turned out, the cemetery is more than a 100 years old, and is one of the most beautiful I have seen. From Eglington avenue, where I saw it, it looked pretty small, but it's actually huge inside.  It's very deep.

I stayed there for about 90 minutes, and shot a few hundred frames, using only the Minolta RF Rokkor-X 250mm f5.6, and a tripod.  I always have a small, travel tripod in the car, in case I need some support, and today it came in handy.  Unfortunately, the tripod is not strong enough, coupled with strong wind, it was better than nothing, but not as steady as I wanted.  Still, I got a lot more keepers than hand holding this lens.

Still amazed at the small size of this 250mm f5.6 mirror lens.  Too bad it's not the easiest lens to use on the NEX or M4/3 cameras, due to its effective focal length.  Having a tripod really helps and perhaps that's how it's meant to be used.

Under the Tree - NEX-5N & Minolta RF 250mm f5.6. Click for larger.

Angel - NEX-5N & Minolta RF 250mm f5.6. Click for larger.

Angels and the Man himself - NEX-5N & Minolta RF 250mm f5.6. Click for larger.

In Loving Memory - NEX-5N & Minolta RF 250mm f5.6. Click for larger.

Double Cross - Sony NEX-5N & Minolta RF 250mm f5.6. Click for larger.

Under the Tree #2 - Sony NEX-5N & Minolta RF 250mm f5.6. Click for larger.

It's Time for Affordable Full Frame Cameras from Canon

You have to hand it to Nikon for the great effort with their recent business direction: delivering desirable new cameras [D800/D800E], exploring new territories [J1/V1], and the up coming affordable full frame camera D600, rumored to have a price tag around $1500.  Where is Canon?

If anything, it should be Canon who should introduce the first affordable, in the $1500 range full frame camera.  Canon was an innovative and aggressive company that pioneered the camera industry's many firsts: Full electronic lens mount [EF], Image Stabilization [IS] on lenses, Ultrasonic [USM] Motors on lenses, first commercial use of APS-C sized and full frame CMOS sensors, DO optics, first affordable DSLR [Rebel 300D], first affordable full frame DSLR [5D] and more.  It's CMOS sensor was the envy of its rivals with ultra low noise and high resolution in its day, while the competition was still using CCD sensors whose low light capabilities were limited.  But times have changed.

Nikon was always behind Canon both in low noise and high resolution sensors, but it has turned itself from a follower to a leader since the D3/D700.  And now the high resolution D800 that caters to the pros who need the megapixels; the D800E for those who want the ultimate resolution; the J1/V1 to fill the mirroless gap; the imminent introduction of the [hopefully] affordable D600.  Meanwhile, Canon has finally given the 5D III the AF it deserved, and with a very small increase in resolution, many expect the image quality and dynamic range of the sensor to be spectacular, but alas, it isn't so.

Since the AF fiasco of the 1D Mark III, Canon seems to have lost their Mojo.  Every camera introduced since then has been ho hum with little or no innovation.  Sure, the 5D Mark II has been a huge seller, only due to the addition of video in a full frame sensor.  The basic camera was nothing spectacular.  The fact that it's the only major camera maker that still does not have a mirrorless solution tells us something about how conservative they have become.  Canon has become the follower.

For the last few generations of Canon's imaging sensor, there are little or no improvements in image quality and dynamic range.  If anything, image quality has gone backwards with the introduction of the 18MP sensor.  I owned the Rebel 550D (T2i) and 7D, but I couldn't stand the noisy/mushy image quality at its base ISO, compared to older Canon cameras or other others of the same time frame.

I know I am only a one of Canon's customers, but I am the typical of many Canon users who already own a Canon body and looking for something better than the competition to upgrade to. If I didn't already own so many Canon lenses, I would have been an EX-Canon user two years ago.

It's time for Canon to take control and be the innovative company that it used to be.  Wow us with real improvements in sensor design.  Create a new market like you did with the original 300D,  and step out of the comfort zone, and be a leader.  Because, Nikon is eating your lunch.  If you don't wake up, it will be all over your dinner table.

Flowers in evening sun -- NEX-5N & Minolta RF Rokkor-X 250mm f5.6.

Minolta RF Rokkor-X 250mm f5.6 -- Second Look

So I have been using the Minolta RF Rokkor-X 250mm f5.6 on the NEX-5N, and slowly getting the hang of it. It's still too long a lens for me, and I don't have very steady hands, hence low keeper rate.  Many of the pictures come out blurry.  But, once the focus is nailed, the lens rewards you with very sharp images (for a mirror lens).  I want to stress that this is a very small lens for a 250mm focal length.  On of the reason many people want it.  You can see the picture below where it's compared to the Minolta 58mm f1.2.  The 58mm f1.2 is much heavier:

Size compared to the Minolta 58mm f1.2.

Although the X250 does not focus as close as the Tamron mirror lenses, it's still pretty good at minimum focus distance of 2.5 meters.  You can get pretty good close ups.  The original hood the came with the lens is way too short.  Mirror lenses tend to flare more easily than all glass lenses.  A longer hood would have helped to reduce the flare problem.

Bright Lights -- NEX-5N & Minolta RF 250mm f5.6 on tripod.

In think in terms of image quality, it's probably as good as a consumer lens would get for mirror lenses.  The build quality is excellent with very smooth focus action.  It's a perfect lens for EVIL cameras.  The longer focal length allows some stealth pictures to be taken without people getting mad at you, or, simply, some like the compressed perspective of long lenses.

Talk -- NEX-5N & Minolta RF 250mm f5.6

Canon EOS 5D Mark III - An object of desire

OK, I will say it.  I WANT the 5D Mark III!  It's a camera that fixes all of the 5D Mark II's short comings (ok, I still want the swivel screen).  The specs are pretty much the same as what the rumor have been saying, except the price, which is higher than what most people expected.

The image quality test at dpreview sure looks pretty good, but I don't think it's that far ahead of the 5D Mark II.  Strangely enough, if you check out Canon's official sample images, image #1 (the aurora) shot at ISO 800 has a  lot of chroma noise.  Not sure if they turned off the noise reduction or what.  Canon jpeg engine still falls behind Olympus, which generates exceptionally good jpeg as if they were converted from RAW.  Would 5D Mark II owners upgrade?  If I had the Mark II, I would probably not upgrade, unless superior auto focus is what you are after.  

For me, this camera would replace my 1D Mark III, but the price is just too high to justify at $3,888 CAD.  I guess it's a camera for most pros and semi pros of still and videographers.  I am sure many well heeled buyers will snap the 5D III up, but it's just too much money for non-money making use.  I will pick up a used 5D Mark II when it hits $1500, and keep my 1D III.

Megan -- Sony NEX-5N & Minolta RF Rokkor-X 250mm f5.6

Olympus OM-D E-M5: The Best M4/3 Camera Yet?

Ever since the rumor mill churned out the news of the Olympus OM-D E-M5, the Micro 4/3 crowd has gone gaga over its capabilities.  Even many people who currently don't own any M4/3 stuff got their interest on it.  Will it live up to the hype?

The specs certainly looks pretty good: world's faster AF, claimed Olympus.  That's a big claim especially for contrast detect AF.  From the promotional video, it really does look impressive.  For me, though, this will be less important than for others, simply because I would be using manual focus lenses on it most of the time! Among the many features of the E-M5, which I don't care much, the 5-axis image stabilization interests me the most.  I am happy with the NEX-5N, except the lack of a built-in viewfinder, and no body IS.  If it is as effective as Olympus claims, I would be VERY interested and may even get one, so far the image quality is also as good as claimed, or close the what the NEX-5N is.

But, the long waited 5D II replacement will be announced early next week, and the specs are also impressive, but the price is more than three times higher than the E-M5.  I have been patiently waiting for the full frame body (Canon) to come down in price, so that I can  buy one and  be done with body upgrade for the next few years with my 1D III and 5D II/III.  Choices are painful, especially when you can't go wrong with any of them.  I eagerly await Canon's new affordable full frame.  Exciting times when there are so many new cameras being announced, and also painful times when my upgrade fund is limited.

Tilted Lamp -- NEX-5N & Minolta RF Rokkor-X 250mm f5.6.

Minolta RF Rokkor-X 250mm f5.6 - First Impression

I have had a few mirror lenses in the last few years, but have never kept any except one cheap Makinon 300mm f5.6, which I keep for occasional, for the same reasons that people don't like mirror lenses: smaller aperture, hard to focus, dark view finder (with DSLRs), no aperture control, and usually unsharp.  Yesterday I received the Minolta RF Rokkor-X 250mm f5.6 so I went out with it today and gave it a try.

Lamps -- NEX-5N & Minolta RF 250mm f5.6.

This Minolta RF lens is very light, and very small.  It's about the size of the Vivitar Series-1 28mm f1.9, but much lighter.  The build quality is excellent and it focus very smoothly.  One of the best features I like, is that there is a protective glass on the front of the lens.  Most mirror lenses have exposed mirror surfaces, and mirror surfaces are very easy to scratch, therefore, extreme care is needed when cleaning it.  You can clean this lens like a normal lens since has a hard glass surface.

Park Bench -- NEX-5N & Minolta RF 250mm f5.6.

As far as mirror lenses go, this one is the sharpest one I have used.  Sure, the Zeiss Mirotar I am sure will be better, but it's much harder to find and more expensive.  This lens, like most older lenses, suffer from purple/green fringing on high contrast areas, though not as bad as many other lenses.  As the signature of all mirror lenses, the out of focus areas highlights are seen as doughnut rings.  Some people like them, but many don't.  I don't mind them, actually.  Doughnuts can make some interesting backgrounds.

Chains -- NEX-5N & Minolta RF 250mm f5.6.

The most frustrating aspect of long lenses is the very narrow angle of view, and thus it amplifies every small movements of the lens, making it extremely hard to focus.  I shot all the pictures handheld today, with a Speed Priority setting it to 1/320s, which is still too slow, but often good enough thanks to the very excellent NEX-5N's very short shutter lag.  The ISO is often at 800 or even 3200 even in the middle of the day, depending on how much light the scene has.

Some mirror lenses, such as the Tamrons, has a very close focus distance of 1.7 meters and magnification ratio of 1:2.7.  This one does not have a claimed macro mode, but the minimum focusing distance is 2.5 meters, which is not too bad.  Not sure what the magnification is, though.

After one day of use, I can understand why people want this lens.  I never had this much luck before using a mirror lens and get so many in-focus pictures.  The shorter 250mm focal length is part of the reason, but I think the small size and easy hand holding contributes to the fact.  Most of all, it has very good optical quality as a mirror lens.

Lamp -- NEX-5N & Minolta RF 250mm f5.6.